Bareilly, Jan. 30 -- Suspended Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on Thursday cautioned that the alleged misuse of caste discrimination provisions in higher education could have serious social repercussions.

He made the remark while reacting to the Supreme Court's decision to stay the University Grants Commission's (UGC) Regulations, 2026.

"I welcome the Supreme Court observations adverse to the UGC regulations and pausing its implementation for now," he said.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the implementation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, amid a nationwide debate.

Terming the issue a matter of national concern, Agnihotri said provisions meant...